Soludo and philosophical contradictions
By Pat Onukwuli
In the vast terrain of leadership, where the winds of power are as unpredictable as they are fierce, a leader’s philosophy serves as both anchor and compass. It is the guiding star by which a leader navigates through the storms of public opinion, the tempests of crisis, and the currents of personal ambition.
Without a consistent philosophy and worldview, a leader drifts aimlessly, leaving behind a trail of confusion and broken promises. This unmoored state is not just a failure of personal integrity but a betrayal of the people’s trust in their leader to steer them toward a shared vision. The true essence of leadership lies not just in the ability to steer the ship but in knowing with certainty the direction in which one is heading. The public’s trust is a precious commodity, and a leader’s consistent philosophy is the currency that maintains its value.
The weight of this issue cannot be overstated, as trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Yet, the consequences of inconsistency are more than merely abstract. They manifest in the dissonance between words and actions, promises and reality, aspirations and outcomes. This appears to be the case with Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the current governor of Anambra State, a leader whose philosophy seems caught in the storm of inconsistency.
Upon taking office, Soludo promised a new era of minimalism, a leadership style rooted in simplicity, local pride, and a deep connection to the people of Anambra. He donned locally made clothing, championed local food and drink, and embraced a moniker signalling his down-to-earth approach. He even ventured into the profoundly personal terrain of funereal customs, advocating for reducing financial and social burdens on bereaved families, a noble cause ostensibly rooted in empathy and a desire for communal simplicity.
Yet, in a bewildering twist, Soludo recently staged an ostentatious wedding for his daughter, not within the state he governs but in the distant Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja. The event was a spectacle of extravagance, attended by the elite of Nigeria, with the entire Anambra State cabinet relocated to Abuja for what was, at its core, a private function. This display of opulence starkly contrasts his philosophy of minimalism.
The optics of this grand event are disheartening for the people of Anambra. It portrays the state as too unsafe for its leader to host even a personal celebration. The perceptions are also troubling and give the impression that while Anambra faces turmoil, its leader appears physically and philosophically distant. This is especially so as the state grapples with significant challenges, including reports that it has become the kidnapping capital of the Southeast Zone; such an extravagant display seems tone-deaf and out of touch with the people’s realities.
The people are left to wonder: while Anambra burns, is Soludo fiddling? This is a stark reminder of the disconnect that can occur when a leader’s actions diverge from their stated principles. In a recent broadcast, Soludo spoke of his ambition to make Anambra the preferred destination. But how can this vision be realised when he conducts significant functions outside the state? This contradiction only deepens the sense of inconsistency in his leadership.This bare contrast in actions and promises, from the simplicity he advocated to the extravagance he displayed, raises issues about the consistency of his leadership.
A leader’s philosophy is not merely a set of ideas to be professed; it is a way of life that should be evident in every action, decision, and word. When a leader’s actions do not align with their stated beliefs, they lose the trust of their people, who begin to question not just the leader’s decisions but also their character and integrity. Consistency in philosophy builds credibility, which is the foundation of effective leadership.
Therefore, one is tempted to ask whether Soludo’s leadership philosophy is merely a cloak to be worn when convenient or a true guiding principle.The answer may be affirmative because there appears to be a stark contrast between his promises and actions. This disconnect reflects a more profound inconsistency in his leadership. It suggests a leader telling his people to “do as I say, not as I do.” Leadership is not just about grand proclamations or well-intentioned initiatives but about living the values one espouses, especially in adversity.
Again, leadership demands more than just rhetoric; it requires integrity. Integrity in leadership is not just about honesty or moral uprightness; it is about consistency, the alignment between what one says and does. When a leader preaches minimalism but practices extravagance, it erodes the public’s trust. When a leader advocates for communal restraint but indulges in personal excess, it raises doubts about their commitment to the common good. The inconsistency becomes a chasm that widens with each contradictory action, eventually engulfing the credibility essential to effective governance.
A leader’s philosophy and worldview should be like the roots of an ancient tree: deep, penetrating, and firm, which stands no matter how fierce the storm. These roots must be nurtured through reflection, discipline, and a commitment to the greater good. They must draw sustenance from a well of principles that are not easily swayed by the changing winds of circumstance or the allure of immediate gratification.
The people of Anambra State need a leader who can articulate and live a philosophy. They deserve a leader whose actions reflect their aspirations, whose principles are more than just a veneer for political expediency, and whose worldview is rooted in the reality of their lives. If Prof. Soludo is to fulfil the promise of his leadership, he must reconcile the contradictions in his governance and align his actions with the philosophy he once championed. Ultimately, leadership is not just about the path one takes but about how one walks that path with integrity, consistency, and asteady commitment to the greater good.
His recent actions have greatly shadowed his philosophy of minimalism and grassroots governance. To regain the people’s trust, he must realign his actions with the values he once championed. Otherwise, he risks being remembered for the inconsistencies that undermined his leadership. He must not be like Napoleon Bonaparte, who flip-flopped on his philosophies, initially presenting himself as a champion of the French Revolution’s ideals, such as liberty, equality, and fraternity and on consolidation of power, shifted from a revolutionary hero to an autocratic emperor, thereby alienating many of his supporters.
Soludo’s journey as a leader is far from over; there is still time for him to realign his philosophy with his actions. By adopting a consistent and robust worldview, he can regain people’s trust in Anambra and lead them toward a brighter future. In doing so, he would honour his promises when he first assumed office and set a powerful example of moral leadership for others to follow. After all, a leader’s legacy is not just in their words but in their actions and the consistency with which they live out their beliefs. Soludo has the potential to be a leader who embodies the principles he once championed, but only if he commits to a path of unwavering consistency in both word and deed.
• Onukwuli, PhD, writes from Bolton, UK
